GraphQL vs REST APIs

Introduction

APIs help connect different systems, applications and services via sending, fetching and manipulating data. If we go by the full form API is an Application Programming Interface which means it’s an interface between the data(Database) and the layer on which we present the data(front-end).

Two of the most commonly used API architectures are REST APIs and GraphQL providing a structured way to access data and manipulate it through HTTP methods like GET?, PUT?, POST?, DELETE?.

It is always good to know the difference between the API methods to make an informed decision while using them in any project.

Fundamentals of REST?APIs

REST APIs

REST APIs use a resource-based approach to access any entity like user, orders or any other, there is a specific endpoint defined and That unique endpoint needs to be accessed for accessing or manipulating data.

Key Points of REST?APIs

1. Statelessness?—?Each time a request goes from front-end to back-end it should contain all the necessary information for the action to be performed as server doesn’t store the client session data.
2. Resource-Based Endpoints?—?As mentioned above for accessing any entity over the web there is a specific endpoint Ex- \users?, \orders accessed using HTTP methods.

3. HTTP Methods?—?Methods like GET?,PUT, POST, DELETE used for fetching and modifying data. To know more about these methods, you can read about them here.?

Example of fetching all the users via REST?API

Response

NOTE: REST APIs works well in mostly all the cases but can lead to under-fetching or over-fetching of data.

Fundamentals of?GraphQL

GraphQL is a query language for APIs with more flexibility in what and how much data to fetch at a time. Unlike REST APIs, GraphQL doesn’t depend on separate endpoints while it works with one single endpoint and provides flexibility to fetch exactly what the client needs.

Key Points Of?GraphQL

1. Single Endpoint?—?Instead of using multiple endpoints like \users?, \orders it works with a single endpoint /graphql for all queries.
2. Queries?—?Queries in GraphQL are used to fetch(Get) the specific data instead of complete resources.
3. Mutations?—?Mutations used to modify data (create, update, delete).
4. Subscriptions?—?Subscriptions help to keep the data in sync with real-time data updates on the client side.

Example Of fetching top 2 users using?GraphQL

Note: The response will be the same as the earlier response.

Pros, Cons and Use?Cases

REST APIs?Pros:?

1. Simple to use?—?Rest follow standard HTTP convention making it easier to use and understand
2. Cache-friendly?—?REST relies on HTTP caching mechanism results in improved performance and reduces unnecessary requests to server

REST APIs?Cons:

1. Over Fetching and fetching?—?Since there are dedicated endpoints and client can’t decide how much data to bring results in over fetching or under fetching of data
2. Complex to Fetch Nested Data?—?Fetching Nested data results in multiple API calls
3. Versioning Issues?—?Changes in data structures require versioned endpoints

When to use REST

1. REST can be used while working with simple and well-structured resources which don’t require frequent modifications.
2. When caching is important such as content-heavy APIs
3. When the widely supported and easy-to-implement solution is required.

GraphQL Pros:?

1. Efficient data fetching?—?Only fetch data which is required
2. Nested data or complex data can also be easily fetched.
3. No need for API versioning as Schema Evolution allows clients to request new fields without affecting existing ones.
4. Real-Time Updates are possible with GraphQL subscriptions for live data.

GraphQL Cons:?

1. Complex Implementation?—?GraphQL server, schema design and addition processing are complex to implement.
2. Caching is challenging?—?Unlike REST, which takes the benefit of built-in HTTP caching, GraphQL requires a custom caching mechanism.

When to use?GraphQL:

1. When dealing with complex and related data.
2. When building real-time applications
3. When data fetching needs to be optimized in case of lower-bandwidth devices.

Conclusion

Both REST and GraphQL have their strengths and trade-offs and choosing the right one depends on specific project requirements.

A hybrid approach can also be used where for standard resources REST can be used and for complex and resource-intensive data GraphQL can be implemented.

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